Villa Mamas in Chelsea launches Bahraini-inspired weekend brunch for Middle Eastern twist on classic fare

Villa Mamas in Chelsea has introduced a new weekend brunch menu that showcases traditional Bahraini flavours. The latest food offering, available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm, proposes a Middle Eastern alternative to conventional Western brunch fare. The restaurant, founded by Chef Roaya Saleh, focuses on Khaleeji cuisine and communal dining.

The new brunch menu departs from typical avocado toast and pancakes, instead presenting a sequence of dishes inspired by Bahrain’s culinary heritage. It begins with a selection of artisan breads and dips, including Sourdough Zataar Naan topped with wild thyme, sesame, and olive oil, paired with Labneh. Another item, Mahyawa Flatbread, features sourdough naan brushed with mahyawa, a fermented fish sauce widely used in Bahraini cooking.

The collection of culinary delights continues with a variety of sharing plates. One such dish is Ful Medames, made with slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, cumin, and olive oil. Another is Kebab Sab, a Bahraini version of pakora, made with fried chickpeas and served with tamarind chutney.

Main courses delivers for both indulgent and lighter options. These include Bahraini Shakshuka, which incorporates Khaleeji spices into the traditional tomato and egg dish, and Scrambled Eggs with Aleppo Chilli. A reinterpretation of Eggs Benedict replaces ham with crisp beef ham and adds a tarragon hollandaise sauce. All dishes are accompanied by freshly baked flatbreads and sourdough naan.

For those wishing to extend their visit, the choice bottomless drinks is available for £25 per person. The drinks menu features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, including a Royal Saffron Spritz and a Blueberry Mojito, all the concotions designed to complement the flavours of the meal.

Chef Roaya Saleh, who opened the original Villa Mamas in Bahrain in 2012, expanded the concept to London in 2017. The Chelsea location seeks to replicate the atmosphere of her home kitchen, offering a table full of stories, traditions, and new favourites waiting to happen.

Food Desk

For further information and reservations, visit Villa Mamas’ website here.